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RAQQA – Russian warplanes launched Thursday at least 12 airstrikes on the city of Raqqa in northeastern Syria, which is held by the Islamic State militant group (ISIS), killing and wounding dozens, including civilians.

Local sources reported the death of more than 30 people, mostly civilians. The informed sources added that at least 50 others were wounded in the airstrikes on Thursday.

“The Russian air force bombed Raqqa with some 12 airstrikes today, most of them hit populated neighbourhoods and a crowded marketplace,” rights activist Abdullah al-Munassib told ARA News, adding that only few ISIS militants were killed in the raids.

M.Z., a spokesman for the campaign “Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently” (RBSS) that documents violations against civilians in the province, said that 9 airstrikes out of 12 hit residential buildings and crowded neighbourhoods.

“More than 30 people were killed, including children and women, and 52 others were injured. Those were all civilians. While ISIS has only lost a few militants in the raids that targeted one of its bases in Raqqa,” the spokesman told ARA News.

“The Russians apparently do not care about the civilian losses in such operations. Targeting a crowded marketplace and populated districts in unjustifiable,” he said.

In the meantime, activists reported that local rescue teams continued to search for victims under the rubble.